3.27.2007

Mets reliever Duaner Sanchez has suffered a broken bone in his pitching shoulder and will be out until at least August.

Sanchez hasn't pitched since July, after having surgery on the same shoulder he hurt in a taxi accident. Before that injury, he was enjoying a productive 2006 season as setup man for Billy Wagner.

The right-hander felt a pop in his throwing shoulder Thursday, cutting short his first bullpen session in eight months after just 11 pitches. Scar tissue had broken loose and he was treated with an ice pack.

Sanchez then flew to New York for a second opinion and was diagnosed with a hairline fracture. The doctors recommended surgery which would involve securing the bone with a small screw, but Sanchez is still weighing his options.

The 27-year-old could rehab within six to eight weeks after surgery and another six to eight weeks after that, he could begin competitive throwing.

Sanchez went 5-1 with a 2.60 ERA last season, helping the Mets build a big lead on the way to their first NL East title since 1988.